Construction

Karim Ghaly KC attracts praise from industry observers for his consummate advocacy. He is regularly instructed to represent clients in TCC and appellate proceedings and in complex international arbitrations. He frequently handles cases involving energy and professional negligence issues, and is noted for his deep understanding of the mechanisms of PFI and PPP disputes. His international client base includes contractors, subcontractors and employers.

"Karim Ghaly cuts to the chase and gets to the nub of the issue. He is very sharp and clear in his analysis."

Jess Connors maintains a wide-ranging practice that covers domestic disputes alongside international arbitration. She has acted for prominent employers and contractors in disputes across the world. Her practice relates to a variety of areas, including energy, infrastructure and residential developments. Her experience includes litigation involving allegedly defective cladding.

"Jess Connors is across all the detail and she also keeps a grasp on the bigger picture."

"Jess gets on top of complicated technical detail very quickly."

"Jess gets across everything. She looks at the bigger picture and comes up with winning arguments."

Kate Grange KC has a diverse construction practice that often incorporates issues of public law. She is frequently instructed in sophisticated pieces of litigation and arbitration arising out of the insurance and professional negligence elements of construction. She is best known for her role as one of the leading counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"Kate Grange is very knowledgeable on the law whilst understanding the commercial drivers of the client."

Marion Smith KC is a high-quality silk who is recognised for her prowess in adjudications, TCC proceedings and international arbitration. She is sought after to advise on a variety of matters, including PFI, energy and engineering disputes. She is noted for her ability to establish excellent working relationships with clients. She has significant experience in representing clients in domestic ADR proceedings.

"Marion is brilliant. She is highly intelligent, hands-on and a pleasure to have as part of a team."

"She always brings a fresh approach to things and is very commercial, and clients love her."

"Marion's advice is focused on the client's objectives and she also has an awareness of wider issues and commercial considerations."

Adam Robb KC is a well-regarded practitioner who is regularly sought after by household-name law firms to assist with high-value disputes. He works in construction matters arising from a range of industry sectors, including transport, energy and healthcare. He is especially proficient in litigation involving aspects of professional negligence.

"Adam Robb is excellent to work with. He is calm, focused and able to get across complex legal and factual issues very quickly."

Adrian Hughes KC is a skilled silk with a robust domestic practice and a particular interest in infrastructure and PFI work, including disputes relating to construction projects in the healthcare sector. His international arbitration offering is notable, and he undertakes significant work in the Middle and Far East. He is also recognised for his experience acting as an arbitrator in construction and engineering disputes.

"Adrian Hughes is very efficient and organised. He is good on workstream management as well as the substantive issues."

David Hopkins is a strong barrister praised for his technical expertise in complex construction matters. He regularly appears before the TCC and has experience of public inquiries, having worked on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"David always responds very promptly and provides excellent advice and service."

David Sawtell is very highly regarded for his excellent understanding of the Building Safety Act. He regularly appears in the TCC and in adjudication proceedings. In addition, he is active on international arbitration matters.

"David Sawtell is well across the Building Safety Act. He provides smart and tailored advice."

"David is very responsive and reliable, and he presents well-reasoned arguments."

"He is incredibly intelligent and very switched on. His recall is fantastic and he is very personable and engaging."

Hannah McCarthy has a strong domestic construction practice. She has particular expertise and experience in disputes concerning PFI and local government contracts, as well as cases arising from housing developments.

"Hannah is fantastic. She is very personable, skilled at drafting and very commercial."

"Hannah McCarthy is excellent. She is really hard-working and she has a great manner. No matter how desperate you feel, she has this enthusiasm to calm you down."

Melissa Shipley undertakes a wide range of construction-related disputes, including litigation, adjudication and various other forms of ADR. She already has notable experience in disputes arising from energy and infrastructure projects both in the UK and abroad.

"Melissa's command of technical and legal issues on large infrastructure projects is exceptional."

"She is super-smart. She always goes straight to the key points and her drafting is prompt, efficient and wastes no words."

Patrick Hennessey is an impressive junior who is sought out in a wide range of construction matters. His work includes disputes involving transport infrastructure, energy projects and property development. He provides expert representation to public and private sector employers as well as contractors, and is adept at handling international arbitration in addition to litigation proceedings.

"Patrick Hennessey is so intelligent. He immediately gets the confidence of clients and judges."

Rebecca Drake has significant experience in construction litigation and international and domestic arbitration. She has acted in transport, PFI contract and housing disputes, among a vast array of other issues. She is frequently sought as a sole counsel on matters.

"Rebecca Drake is very down to earth and approachable."